David Meade: Moruya man denies $200k online gold scam
A south coast man accused of selling fake gold online to a number of people, allegedly pocketing more than $200,000, has denied some of the allegations.
The South Coast News
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A south coast man accused of selling more than $200,000 of fake gold to a dozen people online has denied some of the allegations in court.
David Meade, 36, faced Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, months after he allegedly advertised fake gold bullions on social media, before selling them to a number of people.
The alleged scam saw the Moruya man charged with a number of offences, some of which he pleaded guilty to, while denying others in Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday.
Meade pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, while pleading guilty to one count of dishonestly obtain financial advantage, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, possess prohibited drug and deal with property proceeds of crime.
Police allege Meade was advertising the gold bullions online using a number of social media aliases to various people around Australia.
It’s alleged when the sale was made and the money was sent, the buyers did not receive any gold.
Police allege the 36-year-old man scammed a total of 12 people and profited $230,000.
Documents tendered to the court state police began investigating Meade in October 2023, following reports a man was allegedly defrauding people online via social media.
In February this year, police conducted a search warrant on an address linked to Meade where they seized evidence.
It wasn’t until May 16 this year – following further investigations – that Meade was arrested and charged.
He was granted bail by Registrar Wendy Harris in Batemans Bay Local Court the following day.
In the same court on Monday, Meade’s lawyer Bret Ford, confirmed a hearing date would need to be set.
Magistrate Doug Dick adjourned the case to December 19 in the Batemans Bay Local Court.
Meade will appear for the hearing in person.
The 36-year-old man will be sentenced on his guilty matters during the appearance.
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